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Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection of drinking water directly at the point of use thanks to SCHOTT

New CONTURAX® UV glass reactor is extremely small, yet so efficient that it can be used with weaker UV sources

The technology group SCHOTT has developed a unique new glass reactor for disinfecting water. Thanks to its small size, it can be installed directly at the point of delivery, for instance in fittings, water dispensers, or medical devices. The latest innovation called CONTURAX® UV features cavities designed to accommodate ultraviolet (UV) lamps. A special reflective coating traps the light inside the glass body so that even weaker UV sources such as cold cathode lamps or LEDs can be used for the first time ever to destroy germs. SCHOTT will be presenting CONTURAX® UV at the Aquatech 2013 trade exhibition in Amsterdam on Nov. 5 to 8, 2013 at booth 07.323B. The company is already working with UV module suppliers to develop CONTURAX® UV into a complete system.

Photo no. 216450: CONTURAX® UV enables the disinfection of drinking water directly at the point of use

While the quality of drinking water is quite high in many countries, there is still a general danger of secondary infection from harmful bacteria from contaminated pipelines, valves, or fittings. Germs are often found in regions of low water current and abandoned pipes. With CONTURAX® UV, however, SCHOTT now offers a way of ensuring high water quality directly at the point of use because the innovative design of the CONTURAX® UV glass reactor combines a highly compact design with the highest possible efficiency. And thanks to the durable glass and reflective coating, the product requires hardly any maintenance.

Only 28 millimeters in diameter, the CONTURAX® UV glass reactor can be used to build extremely small UV modules that effectively leverage properties of modern UV light sources, such as longevity and frequent switching cycles. This means UV disinfection can be performed in areas where it was completely impossible before, including dishwashers and washing machines, but also fittings in bathrooms and kitchens. Other potential areas of application include medical treatment devices and dental chairs.

About SCHOTTSCHOTT is an international technology group with more than 125 years of experience in the areas of specialty glasses and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, transportation, and architecture industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers’ success and making SCHOTT an important part of people’s lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society, and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in all major markets. Its workforce of around 16,000 employees generated worldwide sales of $2.6 billion (approximately 2.0 billion euros) for the 2011/2012 fiscal year.